Lolinda takes shape in the Mission

The Mission gets another triple-digit-seat restaurant next week (inspections pending) with the opening of Lolinda, the Argentinian-inspired steakhouse that takes the place of Medjool.

As reported earlier, it’s the latest project from Adriano Paganini, the man behind popular restaurants like Beretta, Starbelly and Delarosa.

However, Lolinda does not exactly follow the pattern of the so-called “Adriano Paganini style of restaurants.” Not only is it, by far, the biggest restaurant he’s done in terms of sheer size (350 seats total, including the not-yet-complete roof), it also took longer: five months of construction.

The famous Medjool roof deck won’t be open for several months, but the downstairs is just about ready to roll: 50 seats at the bar, 80 in the dining room, and another 70 on the mezzanine.

‘”Our concept is not trying to be a traditional Argentinian restaurant. We are an Argentinian inspired- steakhouse because of our wood fired grill,” Paganini says. Chef Alejandro Morgan is putting together a menu that’s shareable, with the hope that people can make it a special occasion if they want, or just pop in for a bite. In addition to steaks, there is also a wide selection of smaller South American plates, like empanadas, ceviches, and skewers.

And of course, Paganini is hoping the bar program will be a draw as well. There will be traditional steakhouse cocktails — think Martinis and Manhattans — plus more creative ones. Lane Ford is the bar manager; he’s worked in the Paganini empire before, but more recently at Death & Co. in New York and Bar Agricole in SoMa. Cicerone/beer pro Rich Higgins consulted and composed the beer list.

Again, Paganini is still waiting for final inspections to clear, but next week is certainly the goal. Stay tuned for specific dates.